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Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders
and
Management Information Circular
Meeting Date: June 25, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
Metropolitan Place
Suite 1480, 99 Wyse Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia
May 19, 2020
ERDENE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Metropolitan Place
99 Wyse Road, Suite 1480
Dartmouth, NS B3A 4S5
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The annual and special meeting ("Meeting") of the shareholders ("Shareholders") of Erdene Resource Development
Corporation ("Corporation") will be held at Metropolitan Place, Suite 1480, 99 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia,
on June 25, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) for the following purposes:
(i) to receive the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2019,
copies of which were mailed to Shareholders;
(ii) to elect directors of the Corporation for the forthcoming year;
(iii) to appoint the auditor of the Corporation for the forthcoming year and to authorize the directors to
fix the auditor's remuneration;
(iv) to consider and, if deemed advisable, to approve and confirm the continuance of the Corporation's
Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan Agreement dated June 14, 2017;
(v) to consider and, if deemed advisable, pass an ordinary resolution amending the Corporation's
deferred stock unit plan; and
(vi) to transact such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
Details of the matters proposed to be put before the Meeting are set forth in the management information circular
("Circular") accompanying and forming part of this notice of meeting ("Notice of Meeting").
Only Shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2020 are entitled to receive notice of the Meeting
and, except as noted in the attached Circular, to vote at the Meeting. To assure your representation at the Meeting as
a Registered Shareholder, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy, whether or not you plan to
personally attend. Sending your proxy will not prevent you from voting in person at the Meeting. All proxies
completed by Registered Shareholders must be received by the Corporation's transfer agent, Computershare Investor
Services Inc., not later than June 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). A Registered Shareholder must return the
completed proxy to Computershare Investor Services Inc., as follows:
(a) by mail in the enclosed envelope;
(b) by the Internet or telephone as described on the enclosed proxy; or
(c) by registered mail, by hand or by courier to the attention of Computershare Proxy Department,
8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1.
Non-Registered Shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of an intermediary should carefully follow
voting instructions provided by the intermediary. A more detailed description on returning proxies by Non-Registered
Shareholders can be found on page 3 of the attached Circular.
If you receive more than one proxy or voting instruction form, as the case may be, for the Meeting, it is because your
shares are registered in more than one name. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, you must sign and return all
proxies and voting instruction forms that you receive.
DATED at Dartmouth, in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, this 15th day of May, 2020.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(signed) Peter C. Akerley
President and Chief Executive Officer
ERDENE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT NOTE .................................................................................................................................................... 1
INFORMATION REGARDING ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF MEETING ............................................. 2 Solicitation of Proxies ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Appointment and Revocation of Proxies .................................................................................................................. 2 Notice-and-Access .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Exercise of Proxies ................................................................................................................................................... 5 Voting Shares ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Principal Shareholders .............................................................................................................................................. 5
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON ............................ 5
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT THE MEETING ........................................................................................... 6 Presentation of Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................ 6 Election of Directors ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Appointment of Auditor.......................................................................................................................................... 10 Approval of Continuance of the Shareholder Rights Plan ...................................................................................... 10 Amendment to the Deferred Stock Unit Plan ......................................................................................................... 11
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ............................................................................................................................... 12 Compensation Discussion & Analysis .................................................................................................................... 12 Performance Graph ................................................................................................................................................. 16 Assessment of Risks Associated with the Corporation's Compensation Policies and Practices ............................. 17 Summary Compensation Table ............................................................................................................................... 17 Incentive Plan Awards ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Termination and Change of Control Benefits ......................................................................................................... 20 Director Compensation ........................................................................................................................................... 21
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS ........................... 23 Equity Compensation Plans .................................................................................................................................... 23 Incentive Stock Option Plan ................................................................................................................................... 23 Deferred Stock Unit Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 26
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ............................................................................................. 28
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS .......................................................... 28
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ................................................................................................................................. 28 Board of Directors .................................................................................................................................................. 28 Board Mandate........................................................................................................................................................ 29 Position Descriptions .............................................................................................................................................. 30 Orientation and Continuing Education ................................................................................................................... 30 Ethical Business Conduct ....................................................................................................................................... 30 Nomination of Directors ......................................................................................................................................... 31 Compensation Committee....................................................................................................................................... 32 Audit and Risk Management Committee ................................................................................................................ 32 Other Board Committees ........................................................................................................................................ 33 Assessments ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS ........................................................................................................................ 33
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................................ 34
APPROVAL OF CIRCULAR ..................................................................................................................................... 34
IMPORTANT NOTE
(As at May 15, 2020, except as indicated)
On March 22, 2020, the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency to help contain the spread of the novel
coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which remains in place at the date of this Circular. In connection with the state of
emergency, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued an order under the Health Protection Act (Nova Scotia)
that, among other things, prohibits social gatherings of more than five people and requires all persons to maintain physical
distancing of two metres or six feet. Due to these restrictions, it is currently anticipated that only registered Shareholders and
duly appointed proxy holders will be entitled to attend the Meeting, although it may not be possible for Shareholders and
proxy holders to comply with the above order if they attend the Meeting. Shareholders are strongly encouraged not to
attend the Meeting in person and to submit proxies in advance. However, as COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation,
the Corporation will monitor provincial and federal governmental guidance to assess and implement measures to comply
with public health orders, which may include potentially changing the date, time or location of the Meeting.
The Corporation will provide updates to any arrangements in respect of the Meeting by way of news release. Shareholders
are encouraged to monitor Erdene's website at www.erdene.com or Erdene's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, where copies
of such news releases, if any, will be posted.
To ensure as many shares as possible are represented at the Meeting, Shareholders are encouraged to submit their voting
instructions in advance of the Meeting by dating, signing and returning the instrument of proxy or voting instruction form in
accordance with the instructions included in the Circular. Proxies must be received by Erdene's transfer agent, Computershare
Investor Services Inc., at 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1 by 4:00 p.m. on June 23, 2020.
Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker or other intermediary and do not hold Common Shares of
Erdene in their own name are strongly encouraged to complete the voting instruction forms received from their broker as
soon as possible and to follow the instructions set out under the "Appointment and Revocation of Proxies" section of this
Circular.
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ERDENE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR (As at May 15, 2020, except as indicated)
INFORMATION REGARDING ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF MEETING
THIS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR IS FURNISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ERDENE RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ("Corporation" or "Erdene") for use at the annual and special meeting of
shareholders of the Corporation ("Shareholders") to be held at Metropolitan Place, Suite 1480, 99 Wyse Road, Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia, on June 25, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time), or at any adjournment thereof ("Meeting"), for the purposes set
forth in the accompanying notice of meeting ("Notice of Meeting").
Out of an abundance of caution, to proactively deal with potential issues arising from the public health impact of
COVID-19, and to mitigate risks to the health of the Corporation's shareholders, employees, directors and other
stakeholders, the Corporation strongly encourages Shareholders not to attend the Meeting in person and to submit
proxies in advance.
As noted on the preceding page, as COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation, the Corporation will monitor and review
provincial and federal governmental guidance to assess and implement measures to comply with public health orders,
which may include changing the date, time or location of the Meeting. The Corporation will provide updates to any
arrangements in respect of the Meeting by way of news release. Shareholders are encouraged to monitor Erdene's
website at www.erdene.com or Erdene's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, where copies of such news releases, if
any, will be posted.
Solicitation of Proxies
Solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, but may also be by telephone or other means of communication by the
directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation at nominal cost. All costs of solicitation will be paid by the
Corporation. The Corporation will also pay the fees and costs of intermediaries for their services in transmitting proxy-related
material in accordance with National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a
Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101").
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
General
Shareholders may be "Registered Shareholders" or "Non-Registered Shareholders". If common shares of the Corporation
("Common Shares") are registered in the name of an intermediary and not registered in the Shareholder's name, they are
said to be owned by a "Non-Registered Shareholder". An intermediary is usually a bank, trust company, securities dealer
or broker, or a clearing agency in which an intermediary participates. The instructions provided below set forth the different
procedures for voting Common Shares at the Meeting to be followed by Registered Shareholders and Non-Registered
Shareholders.
The persons named in the enclosed instrument appointing proxy are officers and directors of the Corporation. Each
Shareholder has the right to appoint a person or company (who need not be a Shareholder) to attend and act for him
at the Meeting other than the persons designated in the enclosed form of proxy. Shareholders who have given a proxy
also have the right to revoke it insofar as it has not been exercised. The right to appoint an alternate proxyholder and the right
to revoke a proxy may be exercised by following the procedures set out below under "Registered Shareholders" or "Non-
Registered Shareholders", as applicable.
If any Shareholder receives more than one proxy or voting instruction form, it is because that Shareholder's shares are
registered in more than one form. In such cases, Shareholders should sign and submit all proxies or voting instruction forms
received by them in accordance with the instructions provided.
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Registered Shareholders
Registered Shareholders have two methods by which they can vote their Common Shares at the Meeting, namely in person
or by proxy. To assure representation at the Meeting, Registered Shareholders are encouraged to return the proxy included
with this management information circular ("Circular"). Sending in a proxy will not prevent a Registered Shareholder from
voting in person at the Meeting. The vote will be taken and counted at the Meeting. Registered Shareholders who do not
plan to attend the Meeting or do not wish to vote in person can vote by proxy. Shareholders are strongly encouraged not
to attend the Meeting in person and to vote by proxy in advance of the Meeting.
Proxies must be received by the Corporation's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., not later than June
23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). A Registered Shareholder must return the completed proxy to Computershare
Investor Services Inc., as follows:
(a) by mail in the enclosed envelope; or
(b) by the Internet or telephone as described on the enclosed proxy; or
(c) by registered mail, by hand or by courier to the attention of Computershare Proxy Department, 8th Floor,
100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1.
To exercise the right to appoint a person or company to attend and act for a Registered Shareholder at the Meeting, such
Shareholder must strike out the names of the persons designated on the enclosed instrument appointing a proxy and insert
the name of the alternate appointee in the blank space provided for that purpose.
To exercise the right to revoke a proxy, in addition to any other manner permitted by law, a Shareholder who has given a
proxy may revoke it by instrument in writing, executed by the Shareholder or his attorney authorized in writing, or if the
Shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized officer or attorney thereof, and deposited: (i) at the registered office of the
Corporation, 1300-1969 Upper Water Street, Purdy's Tower II, PO Box 730, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2V1, Attention: D.
Suzan Frazer, at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the Meeting at which the proxy is to be used,
or at any adjournment thereof; or (ii) with the chair of the Meeting on the date of the Meeting, or at any adjournment thereof,
and upon either of such deposits the proxy is revoked.
Non-Registered Shareholders
Non-Registered Shareholders who have not objected to their intermediary disclosing certain ownership information about
themselves to the Corporation are referred to as "NOBOs". Non-Registered Shareholders who have objected to their
intermediary disclosing the ownership information about themselves to the Corporation are referred to as "OBOs".
In accordance with the requirements of NI 54-101, the Corporation is sending the Notice of Meeting, this Circular, a voting
instruction form ("VIF") or a form of proxy, as applicable (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") directly to the NOBOs
and, indirectly, through intermediaries, to the OBOs. The Corporation will also pay the fees and costs of intermediaries for
their services in delivering Meeting Materials to OBOs in accordance with NI 54-101.
Meeting Materials Received by OBOs from Intermediaries
The Corporation has distributed copies of the Meeting Materials to intermediaries for distribution to OBOs. Intermediaries
are required to deliver these materials to all OBOs of the Corporation who have not waived their right to receive these
materials, and to seek instructions as to how to vote Common Shares. Often, intermediaries will use a service company (such
as Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.) to forward the Meeting Materials to OBOs.
OBOs who receive Meeting Materials will typically be given the ability to provide voting instructions in one of two ways:
(a) Usually, an OBO will be given a VIF which must be completed and signed by the OBO in accordance with
the instructions provided by the intermediary. In this case, the mechanisms described above for Registered
Shareholders cannot be used and the instructions provided by the intermediary must be followed.
(b) Occasionally, however, an OBO may be given a proxy that has already been signed by the intermediary.
This form of proxy is restricted to the number of Common Shares owned by the OBO but is otherwise not
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completed. This form of proxy does not need to be signed by the OBO but must be completed by the OBO
and returned to Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare") in the manner described above
for Registered Shareholders.
The purpose of these procedures is to allow OBOs to direct the proxy voting of the Common Shares that they own but that
are not registered in their name. Should an OBO who receives either a form of proxy or a VIF wish to attend and vote at the
Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on their behalf), the OBO should strike out the person named in
the form of proxy as the proxy holder and insert the OBOs (or such other person's) name in the blank space provided or, in
the case of a VIF, follow the corresponding instructions provided by the intermediary. In either case, OBOs who received
Meeting Materials from their intermediary should carefully follow the instructions provided by the intermediary.
To exercise the right to revoke a proxy, an OBO who has completed a proxy (or a VIF, as applicable) should carefully follow
the instructions provided by the intermediary.
Proxies returned by intermediaries as "non-votes" because the intermediary has not received instructions from the OBO with
respect to the voting of certain shares or, under applicable stock exchange or other rules, the intermediary does not have the
discretion to vote those shares on one or more of the matters that come before the Meeting, will be treated as not entitled to
vote on any such matter and will not be counted as having been voted in respect of any such matter. Common Shares
represented by such "non-votes" will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a quorum.
Meeting Materials Received by NOBOs from the Corporation
As permitted under NI 54-101, the Corporation has used a NOBO list to send the Meeting Materials directly to the NOBOs
whose names appear on that list. If you are a NOBO and the Corporation's transfer agent, Computershare, has sent these
materials directly to you, your name and address and information about your holdings of Common Shares have been obtained
from the intermediary holding such shares on your behalf in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements.
As a result, any NOBO of the Corporation can expect to receive a scannable VIF from Computershare. Please complete and
return the VIF to Computershare in the envelope provided. In addition, telephone voting and internet voting are available, as
further described in the VIF. Instructions in respect of the procedure for telephone and internet voting can be found in the
VIF. Computershare will tabulate the results of the VIFs received from the Corporation's NOBOs and will provide
appropriate instructions at the Meeting with respect to the shares represented by the VIFs received by Computershare.
By choosing to send these materials to you directly, the Corporation (and not the intermediary holding Common Shares on
your behalf) has assumed responsibility for: (i) delivering these materials to you; and (ii) executing your proper voting
instructions. The intermediary holding Common Shares on your behalf has appointed you as the proxyholder of such shares,
and therefore you can provide your voting instructions by completing the proxy included with this Circular in the same way
as a Registered Shareholder. Please refer to the information under the heading "Registered Shareholders" for a description
of the procedure to return a proxy, your right to appoint another person or company to attend the meeting, and your right to
revoke the proxy.
Although a Non-Registered Shareholder may not vote the Common Shares registered in the name of his or her broker directly
at the Meeting, a Non-Registered Shareholder may attend the Meeting as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder and
vote the Common Shares in that capacity. Non-Registered Shareholders who wish to attend the Meeting and indirectly vote
their Common Shares as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder should enter their own names in the blank space on the
form of proxy provided to them and return the same to their broker (or the broker's agent) in accordance with the instructions
provided by such broker. However, Non-Registered Shareholders are encouraged not to appoint themselves as
proxyholder at this time as attendance at the Meeting may not be possible due to public health orders.
Notice-and-Access
The Corporation is not sending the Meeting Materials to Registered Shareholders or Non-Registered Shareholders using
notice-and-access delivery procedures defined under NI 54-101 and National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure
Obligations.
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Exercise of Proxies
Where a choice is specified, the Common Shares represented by proxy will be voted for, withheld from voting or voted
against, as directed, on any poll or ballot that may be called. Where no choice is specified, the proxy will confer
discretionary authority and will be voted in favour of all matters referred to on the form of proxy. The proxy also
confers discretionary authority to vote for, withhold from voting, or vote against amendments or variations to the
matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and with respect to other matters not specifically mentioned in the Notice
of Meeting but which may properly come before the Meeting.
Management has no present knowledge of any amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting or
any business that will be presented at the Meeting other than that referred to in the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other
matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed instrument appointing
proxy to vote in accordance with the recommendations of management of the Corporation.
Voting Shares
The authorized capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares, of which 191,787,702 are
issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.
The board of directors of the Corporation ("Board of Directors" or "Board") has fixed the record date for the Meeting as
the close of business on May 21, 2020 ("Record Date"). Only Shareholders as of the close of business on the Record Date
will be entitled to vote at the Meeting, provided that a Shareholder that produces satisfactory evidence no later than 10 days
before the Meeting that such Shareholder owns Common Shares and demands that such Shareholder's name be included on
the list of Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting shall be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Shareholders entitled to vote
shall have one vote each on a show of hands and one vote per Common Share on a poll.
Two or more persons present in person representing at least 5% of the Common Shares entitled to be voted at the Meeting
will constitute a quorum at the Meeting.
Principal Shareholders
As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation, no person or company
beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over, directly or indirectly, Common Shares carrying 10% or more of the
voting rights attached to all outstanding Common Shares of the Corporation.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
No person who has been a director or executive officer of the Corporation since January 1, 2019 nor any proposed nominee
for election as a director, nor any associate of the foregoing, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial
ownership of securities of the Corporation or otherwise, in matters to be acted upon at the Meeting other than the election of
directors and approval of the amendments to the Corporation's deferred stock unit plan to the extent that they may be granted
deferred share units under such plan in the future.
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BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT THE MEETING
Presentation of Financial Statements
The financial statements of the Corporation, the auditor's report thereon and management's discussion and analysis for the
financial year ended December 31, 2019 will be presented to the Shareholders at the Meeting.
Election of Directors
The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation provide that the size of the Board of Directors must consist of not less than
three (3) directors and not more than ten (10) directors to be elected annually. The Corporation's by-laws provide that the
size of the Board of Directors is to be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board is presently comprised of eight (8)
directors. The Board has determined that, in the forthcoming year, the business of the Corporation may be best conducted by
a Board of Directors consisting of eight (8) directors and has fixed the size of the Board at eight (8) effective at the close of
the Meeting. The Board is authorized to appoint up to one-third (1/3) of the number of directors elected at the previous annual
general meeting of Shareholders.
Each of the persons named in the list which follows is currently a director of the Corporation. All of the proposed nominees
are, in the opinion of management, well qualified to direct the Corporation's activities for the ensuing year and they have all
confirmed their willingness to serve as directors, if elected. The term of office of each director elected will be until the next
annual meeting of the Shareholders or until the position is otherwise vacated.
Unless the proxy specifically instructs the proxyholder to withhold such vote, Common Shares represented by the
proxies hereby solicited shall be voted for the election of the nominees whose names are set forth below. Management
does not contemplate that any of these proposed nominees will be unable to serve as a director, but if that should occur for
any reason prior to the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by the properly executed proxies given in favour of
nominees of management named in the enclosed form of proxy may be voted for another nominee at such proxyholder's
discretion.
Name, Province
and Country
of Residence
Principal Occupation Director
Since
Position(s) with the
Corporation
Common
Shares
Owned,
Controlled or
Directed(6) Peter C. Akerley(1)(5)
Nova Scotia, Canada
President and Chief
Executive Officer of the
Corporation
February 25,
2003
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director, and
Managing Director of the
Corporation's Subsidiaries
2,445,849
Dr. Anna G. Biolik(2)(3)
British Columbia, Canada
Chief Executive Advisor,
Allam Advisory Group (a
global business strategy
and commercial
diplomacy consulting
firm)
June 14, 2016 Director 81,740
John Byrne(2)(3)
Ontario, Canada
President, Petroleum
Corporation of Canada
Exploration Ltd. (an oil
production company) and
President, Petroleum
Corporation of Canada
Limited (an investment
holding company)
August 25, 2004 Director 6,742,179
T. Layton Croft(2)(3)(4)
North Carolina, USA
President, CEO and
director, Pancontinental
Resources Corporation
(TSX-V), a gold
exploration company
operating in the U.S. and
Canada
July 2, 2015 Director, Chairman of the
Board 1,058,478
- 7 -
Name, Province
and Country
of Residence
Principal Occupation Director
Since
Position(s) with the
Corporation
Common
Shares
Owned,
Controlled or
Directed(6) Kenneth W.
MacDonald(4)(5)
Nova Scotia, Canada
President, Fisher
Transport Limited (a
specialized transport
company)
June 20, 2019 Director 1,806,670
Cameron McRae
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Executive Director of
Tarva Investment &
Advisory (a broad-based
consultancy firm)
March 14, 2018 Director 467,000
David V. Mosher(4)(5)
Nova Scotia, Canada
Corporate Director June 14, 2016 Director 445,956
Hedley Widdup(5)
Melbourne, Australia
Executive Director of
Lion Selection (Mining
focused investment
company)
September 30,
2019
Director Nil
Notes:
(1) Member of the Pre-Clearance Committee.
(2) Member of the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee. (3) Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.
(4) Member of the Compensation Committee. (5) Member of the Technical Committee.
(6) The information as to security holdings was provided by the nominees as of May 15, 2020.
Peter C. Akerley – Mr. Akerley has 30 years of experience in mineral exploration, corporate financing, project development
and management of publicly listed resource companies. He is one of the founders and principals of Erdene and has held the
position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since March 2003. Mr. Akerley is a geologist who has
worked extensively in foreign jurisdictions throughout his career, predominately in North and South America and Asia, with
a focus on Mongolia, where he has led the technical team through the confirmation of a major molybdenum and copper
deposit, the discovery and definition of the Altan Nar gold deposit and the discovery of the Bayan Khundii gold project. He
has extensive experience in corporate M&A, joint venture arrangements and financings, leading more than 20 such business
arrangements since taking the Corporation public in 2004. Mr. Akerley served on the board and special committee of Temex
Resources Corp. advising on the sale of the company to Lake Shore Gold Corp. and was chairman of the TSX-V listed
Morien Resources Corp. where he was involved in the sale of the Donkin Coal and Black Point Aggregate projects,
converting those interests into royalties. He also pioneered the Corporation's involvement as the founding and lead sponsor
of the very successful Catapult leadership program in Nova Scotia. Mr. Akerley has a BSc (1988) from Saint Mary's
University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in geology, and completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Audit
Committee Effectiveness course in December 2012.
Dr. Anna G. Biolik – Dr. Biolik has over 30 years of public and private sector experience and is one of the foremost Canadian
experts on Central Asian business and diplomacy. From 2010 to 2012, Dr. Biolik occupied the position of Regional Director,
Pacific Region, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. In 2012, Dr. Biolik retired from the federal public
service. Since 2014, she has worked as an independent consultant and Vice-President and Chief Executive Advisor of Allam
Advisory Group, a global business strategy and commercial diplomacy consulting firm. She was Canada's first resident
Ambassador in Mongolia where she opened a full-fledged Canadian Embassy in 2008. Dr. Biolik previously served as
Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as well as Consul General of Canada in St. Petersburg,
Russian Federation. She also served as Senior Advisor for international relations and parliamentary affairs to the Governor
General of Canada and as European Marketing Manager for Canada Post, Senior Manager at Investment Partnerships Canada
and Director of the International Business Opportunities Centre. Dr. Biolik has extensive expertise in international commerce
and has worked closely with Canadian companies in emerging markets. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Montreal
and is fluent in English, French, Russian and Polish.
John P. Byrne – Mr. Byrne has more than 40 years of investment banking and corporate finance experience. He is President
of Petroleum Corporation of Canada Exploration Limited ("Petrex"), an oil and gas exploration and development company,
and has held that position since 1976. Petrex helped establish and finance Enerplus Energy Services Limited for which Mr.
Byrne served as Vice-Chairman (1986-2000). He also served in senior executive roles with Levesque Beaubien Geoffrion
Inc. (now National Bank Financial), A.E. Ames & Company Ltd./Dominion Securities Ames Ltd. and The First Boston Corp.
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Mr. Byrne graduated from McGill University with a BA and from the University of Toronto Law School with an LLB. He
is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Byrne is also currently a director of Morien Resources Corp. (TSX-V).
T. Layton Croft – Mr. Croft is a corporate executive with more than 25 years of diversified management and resource
industry experience, including deep Mongolia expertise. Mr. Croft is President and CEO of Pancontinental Resources
Corporation (TSX-V), a gold exploration company operating in Canada and the United States. Mr. Croft's Mongolia
experience includes roles as Country Representative for The Asia Foundation, Executive Vice President for Oyu Tolgoi and
Vice President for Peabody Energy. Mr. Croft is a founding director of the Business Council of Mongolia, a lifetime honorary
director of the Mongolian National Mining Association, and a founding director of the American University of Mongolia.
Currently based in the United States, Mr. Croft has lived and worked in Mongolia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and
Indonesia. He has worked for Rio Tinto, Ivanhoe Mines, Duke Energy and Atrium Health. Mr. Croft holds a B.A. from the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.A. from the School for International Training in Vermont, and an M.A.
from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts.
Kenneth W. MacDonald – Mr. MacDonald has more than 40 years of corporate finance experience. He is the President and
owner of Fisher Transport Limited, a specialized transport company. From March 2003 to April 2019, Mr. MacDonald served
as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. In addition, he was the Vice President of Finance for Kaoclay Resources Inc.
from 1996 to June 2006. From 1985 to September 1992, he was Vice President Finance with public and private corporations
in the resource sector. Prior to 1985, Mr. MacDonald, a chartered professional accountant, was a senior manager with one of
Canada's major accounting firms. Mr. MacDonald holds a BComm. from St. Mary's University in Nova Scotia and received
the chartered accountant designation in 1980.
Cameron McRae – Mr. McRae is a seasoned CEO, having led mining organizations through the full mining development
cycle in four countries and across three continents. Mr. McRae served a 28-year career with Rio Tinto, and in Mongolia was
President of Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Rio Tinto's country director for Mongolia. In that role he led the construction and start-
up of the US$6 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine, ahead of schedule, which at peak of construction had over 15,000
people employed on site. Mr. McRae has led successful greenfield and brownfield construction projects, overarching business
transformations and business improvement projects, and at the corporate level has deep commercial/M&A experience. Prior
to Oyu Tolgoi, Mr. McRae was CEO of Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa (2008-10), Managing Director of Murowa
Diamonds in Zimbabwe (2006-07) and Project Director for the Hail Creek Coking Coal Expansion project in Australia. Prior
to 2004, Mr. McRae held commercial and project leadership roles, both at the corporate and business unit levels. In 1995,
he was a key team member responsible for the A$29 billion merger of CRA and RTZ into the dual listed Rio Tinto (which
was the world's largest merger at the time). Mr. McRae is the founder of Tarva Investment & Advisory, a broad-based
consultancy firm. Mr. McRae was schooled in Australia and Africa and holds a commercial degree and an MBA (Monash
Mount Eliza, 1991).
David V. Mosher – Mr. Mosher is a mining executive with over thirty-five years of international experience. From 1992 to
2008, Mr. Mosher was President and CEO of High River Gold Mines Ltd., a TSX-listed company involved in the exploration,
development and production of gold in Canada, Africa and Russia. In that role, he negotiated the acquisition of two producing
Russian gold mines, completed mining investment agreements with the government of Burkina Faso, raised over $300
million to support the company's growth, and supervised the development of two open pit gold mines (the Taparko gold mine
in Burkina Faso, and the Berezitovy gold mine in Russia). He has served on many boards, including the board of Cambior
Inc., and earlier in his career was project manager for Pancontinental Mining Limited, where he and his team discovered and
outlined the largest uranium deposit in the world at that time (the Jabiluka deposits in northern Australia). Over the past
decade, Mr. Mosher has been active in the restructuring and refinancing of a number of junior resource companies, both
private and public, and currently serves as a director of Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSX-V) and Pelangio
Exploration Inc. (TSX-V). Mr. Mosher received his B.Sc. degree in geology from Acadia University.
Hedley Widdup – Mr. Widdup is a geologist with almost 20 years experience in mining, geology and mining investment. Mr.
Widdup was part of the mine geology teams at the Mt Keith Nickel Mine (WA), Olympic Dam Copper-Uranium Mine (SA),
Black Star Open cut zinc project, which is a part of the Mt Isa Mining complex (Qld), and St Ives Gold Mine (WA). He
joined the investment team at Lion Selection Group in 2007 and has worked across the investment and investor relations
functions. Lion Selection Group is a development-oriented mining fund based in Melbourne, Australia, and has been an
Erdene shareholder for a number of years. Mr. Widdup was educated in Australia, receiving a B.Sc. in geology with first
class honours from the University of Melbourne (2000) before completing a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance (2011).
He is a shareholder and executive director of Lion Manager Pty Ltd, the entity which provides investment services to Lion
Selection Group.
- 9 -
Majority Voting Policy
The Corporation has adopted a majority voting policy (the "Policy"). The Policy requires that any nominee for director who
receives a greater number of votes "withheld" than "for" his or her election shall promptly tender their resignation to the
chair of the Board of Directors following the meeting. The resignation will be effective when accepted by the Board. The
Policy applies only to uncontested elections, meaning elections where the number of nominees for director is equal to the
number of directors to be elected. If a director does not tender their resignation in accordance with the Policy, the Board
shall not re-nominate that director at the next election.
The Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee shall consider the offer of resignation in accordance with the
Policy and recommend to the Board whether or not to accept it. In its deliberations, the Corporate Governance and Disclosure
Policy Committee will consider any stated reasons why shareholders "withheld" votes from the election of that director, the
length of service and the qualifications of the director, the director's contributions to the Corporation, the effect such
resignation may have on the Corporation's ability to comply with any applicable governance rules and policies and the
dynamics of the Board, and any other factors that the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee considers
relevant.
The Board expects to accept any resignation pursuant to the Policy except in situations where extenuating circumstances
would warrant the applicable director to continue to serve on the Board. The Board shall act on the Corporate Governance
and Disclosure Policy Committee's recommendation within 90 days of the applicable meeting of Shareholders and announce
its decision via news release. If a resignation is accepted, the Board may: (i) leave any resulting vacancy unfilled until the
next annual general meeting of Shareholders; (ii) appoint a new director to fill the vacancy created by the resignation; or (iii)
call a special meeting of Shareholders at which a management slate to fill the vacant position or positions will be presented.
Any director who tenders his or her resignation may not participate in the deliberations of either the Corporate Governance
and Disclosure Policy Committee or the Board.
Corporate Cease Trade Orders and Bankruptcies
No proposed director of the Corporation is, or within ten years prior to the date of this Circular has been, a director, chief
executive officer of chief financial officer of any company (including the Corporation) that:
(i) was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant
company access to any exemption under securities legislation, in each case that was in effect for a period
of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued while such person was acting in the capacity as director,
chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or
(ii) was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant
company access to any exemption under securities legislation, in each case that was in effect for a period
of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after such person ceased to be a director, chief executive
officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was
acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer.
No proposed director of the Corporation:
(i) is, as at the date of this Circular, or within ten years prior to the date of this Circular has been, a director or
executive officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, while that person was acting in that
capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal
under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings,
arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold
its assets; or
(ii) has, within ten years prior to the date of this Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any
legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings,
arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold
the assets of the proposed director.
- 10 -
Penalties and Sanctions
No proposed director of the Corporation has been subject to: (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to
securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities
regulatory authority; or (ii) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be
considered important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Appointment of Auditor
KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, has been the auditor of the Corporation since its incorporation. Management
recommends the re-appointment of KPMG LLP. At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to vote for the appointment of
KPMG LLP as auditor of the Corporation until the next annual meeting of the Shareholders, at a remuneration to be fixed
by the Board.
It is intended that all proxies received will be voted in favour of the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditor of the
Corporation, unless a proxy contains instructions to withhold the same from voting. Greater than 50% of the votes
of Shareholders present in person or by proxy are required to approve the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditor of
the Corporation.
Approval of Continuance of the Shareholder Rights Plan
The Corporation entered into an amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement with Computershare Investor
Services Inc., as rights agent (the "Rights Agent"), dated as of June 14, 2017 (the "Rights Plan"). The Rights Plan amended
and restated the amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement dated June 19, 2014, which in turn amended and
restated the shareholder rights plan agreement dated March 14, 2008, as amended on June 23, 2011. At the Meeting, the
Corporation will be seeking the approval of Shareholders to continue the operation of the Rights Plan. The primary objectives of the Rights Plan are to: (i) ensure, to the extent possible, that all holders of Common Shares and
the Board have adequate time to consider and evaluate any unsolicited bid for the Common Shares; (ii) provide the Board
with adequate time to identify, develop and negotiate value enhancing alternatives, if considered appropriate, to any such
unsolicited bid; (iii) encourage the fair treatment of the Shareholders in connection with any take-over bid made for the
Common Shares; (iv) generally, to assist the Board in enhancing Shareholder value; and (v) ensure consistency with the
Canadian take-over regime.
The Rights Plan encourages a potential acquiror to proceed with their bid in accordance with Canadian take-over bid rules,
which require that the bid satisfy certain minimum standards intended to promote fairness, or have the approval of the Board.
Under the Rights Plan, those bids that meet certain requirements intended to protect the interests of all Shareholders are
deemed to be "Permitted Bids". Permitted Bids must be made by way of a take-over bid circular prepared in compliance with
applicable securities laws and, among other conditions, must remain open for the minimum period set out in the Rights Plan.
In the event a take-over bid does not meet the Permitted Bid requirements or a person otherwise acquires 20% or more of the
outstanding Common Shares, subject to certain exemptions, the rights will entitle Shareholders, other than any Shareholder
acquiring the Common Shares, to purchase additional Common Shares at a substantial discount to the market value at the
time. As a result, the investment of the Shareholder or Shareholders making the acquisition will be greatly diluted if a
substantial portion of the rights are exercised.
The continuation of the Rights Plan for the next three years is not being proposed to prevent take-over bids that treat
Shareholders fairly, or in response to, or in anticipation of, any pending, threatened or proposed acquisition or take-over bid
that is known to management of the Corporation.
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Rights Plan. A copy of the Rights Plan may be obtained
from the Corporation's public disclosure documents found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or by request from the Corporation
at Suite 1480, 99 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B3A 4S5, telephone (902) 423-6419 or info@erdene.com.
Shareholder Approval of Continuance of Rights Plan
The Rights Plan will terminate following the Meeting in accordance with the provisions of the Rights Plan, unless the
continuance of the Rights Plan is approved by Shareholders at the Meeting. Continuance of the Rights Plan has been
- 11 -
conditionally approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), subject to Shareholder approval and other standard
conditions.
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, pass the following resolution confirming
the continuance of the Rights Plan ("Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution"):
BE IT RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution, that:
1. the continuation of the Corporation's shareholder rights plan pursuant to an amended and restated shareholder rights
plan agreement dated June 14, 2017 as described in the Circular (the "Rights Plan") between the Corporation and
Computershare Investor Services Inc., and the continuance of the rights issued pursuant to the Rights Plan, be and
the same are hereby re-approved, ratified and confirmed;
2. any officer of the Corporation be and is hereby authorized and directed to negotiate, finalize, execute and deliver
any and all such further agreements, documents, authorizations, elections or other instruments and to do all such
further acts and things as such officer in his sole discretion may determine in order to complete and give effect to
the foregoing resolution and the transactions contemplated by the Rights Plan, such determination to be conclusively
evidenced by such officer's execution and delivery of any such agreement, document, authorization, election or
other instrument or the taking of any such action.
The Board recommends that the Shareholders approve and confirm the continuance of the Rights Plan. It is intended that
all proxies received will be voted in favour of the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution, unless a proxy contains
instructions to vote against such resolution. Greater than 50% of the votes of Shareholders present in person or by
proxy are required to approve the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution. If the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution is not
approved, the Rights Plan will terminate and the rights issued under it will be void.
Amendment to the Deferred Stock Unit Plan
Background
At the special meeting of Shareholders held on October 26, 2012, the Shareholders adopted a deferred stock unit plan ("DSU
Plan"). The purpose of the DSU Plan is to assist the Corporation in attracting and retaining talented employees and directors
and to promote a greater alignment of interests between the directors, employees and the Shareholders. The deferred stock
units ("DSUs") issued under the DSU Plan form part of the Corporation's overall director and employee compensation
strategy. Since the value of DSUs increase or decrease with the price of Common Shares, DSUs reflect a philosophy of
aligning the interests of directors and employees with those of the Shareholders by tying compensation to share price
performance. See "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans – Deferred Stock Unit Plan" for a
summary of the DSU Plan.
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to approve a resolution amending the DSU Plan to increase by 2,500,000 the
maximum number of DSUs that may be outstanding under the DSU Plan from time to time, and the maximum number of
Common Shares underlying the outstanding DSUs, from 5,000,000 to 7,500,000 ("DSU Plan Amendment"), which
represents 3.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of the date of this Circular. In order to be approved, the
resolution must be passed by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Common Shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the Meeting. Unless such authority is withheld, the management representatives designated in the
enclosed form of proxy intend to vote for the approval of the resolution amending the DSU Plan
Shareholder Approval of DSU Plan Amendment
Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, approve the following resolution to adopt the DSU Plan
Amendment:
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BE IT RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution, that:
1. amendments to the Corporation’s Deferred Stock Unit Plan to increase the maximum number of
DSUs that may be outstanding thereunder from time to time, and the maximum number of Common
Shares underlying the outstanding DSUs, by 2,500,000, from 5,000,000 to 7,500,000 are hereby
approved; and
2. any director or officer of the Corporation be and is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of the
Corporation, to do all such things and execute all such documents and instruments as may be
necessary or desirable to give effect to this resolution.
The Board recommends that the Shareholders vote in favour of the resolution. It is intended that all proxies received will
be voted in favour of the resolution to approve the DSU Plan Amendment, unless a proxy contains instructions to vote
against the resolution. Greater than 50% of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or by proxy is required
to approve the DSU Plan Amendment.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion & Analysis
Named Executive Officers
Applicable securities regulations require that the Corporation give details of the compensation paid to the Corporation's
"named executive officers" who are defined as follows:
(a) the chief executive officer;
(b) the chief financial officer;
(c) each of the three most highly compensated executive officers (or individuals acting in a similar capacity) other than
the CEO and CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose compensation was, individually,
more than $150,000 for that financial year; and
(d) each individual who would be a named executive officer under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was
neither an executive officer of the Corporation, nor acting in a similar capacity, at the end of that financial year.
As at December 31, 2019, the end of the most recently completed financial year of the Corporation, the named executive
officers of the Corporation were the four most highly compensated individuals, namely, the President and Chief Executive
Officer ("CEO"), the Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), as well as the Vice-President Operations, and the
Vice-President Regulatory Affairs and Strategy (collectively, the "Named Management").
Role of Compensation Committee
The compensation committee of the Corporation ("Compensation Committee") has been assigned the responsibility of
reviewing the remuneration package for the CEO and for senior executives and to recommend changes, if any, to the Board.
In making its recommendations, the Compensation Committee considers each individual's performance and remuneration
and incentives paid to senior executives of comparable companies. The Compensation Committee also seeks the views of
the CEO when reviewing compensation for other executive officers because of his day-to-day involvement with these
officers. It is also the responsibility of the Compensation Committee to review any proposals concerning the Corporation’s
incentive stock option plan (the "Plan") or any other equity compensation plans including grant proposals for approval by
the Board.
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Layton Croft (Chair), Kenneth MacDonald and David Mosher. Mr. Croft
and Mr. Mosher are independent within the meaning of National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance
Practices. All members of the Compensation Committee have more than 25 years of experience in their respective field and,
during that time, each has been closely involved with implementing and reviewing compensation policies at their respective
organizations. Each of the Compensation Committee members have held senior roles with public and/or private companies
directly related to the mining industry.
- 13 -
Comparative Market Data
When making compensation recommendations in relation to the remuneration of the Named Management, the Compensation
Committee looks at the compensation of the Named Management relative to the compensation paid to similarly situated
executives at companies that the Compensation Committee considers to be peers of the Corporation. A benchmark group
(the "Peer Group") is determined by screening and selecting publicly-traded companies in the same general industry
(exploration and development companies) and on the basis of comparable size of operations and market capitalization.
In 2018, the Corporation's Peer Group was comprised of Almaden Minerals Ltd., Goldquest Corp., Liberty Gold Corp.,
Nighthawk Gold Corp., Orca Gold Inc., Orezone Gold Corp., and Pure Gold Mining Inc. The 2019 Peer Group consisted of
Almaden Minerals Ltd., Filo Mining Corp., Goldquest Corp., Liberty Gold Corp., Midas Gold Corp., Nighthawk Gold Corp.,
Orca Gold Inc., Orezone Gold Corp., and Pure Gold Mining Inc. The 2020 Peer Group consisted of Almaden Minerals Ltd.,
Filo Mining Corp., Goldquest Corp., Liberty Gold Corp., Marathon Gold Corp., Midas Gold Corp., Nighthawk Gold Corp.,
Orezone Gold Corp., Pure Gold Mining Inc., Steppe Gold Ltd., and Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd.
Although backward-looking peer benchmarking is, and will continue to be, a determining factor in total compensation, other
factors such as market conditions and availability of financing are also taken into consideration.
Currency
All references to "$" or "dollars" set forth in this Circular are in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated.
Objectives of the Compensation Program
Erdene's executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain and motivate top executive talent to achieve the
Corporation's business goals and objectives with appropriate risk-taking while acting ethically. The primary goals of the
Corporation's compensation program are to:
(i) provide total compensation that is competitive in the context of Erdene's peers and the mineral exploration
industry in general;
(ii) attract, retain and motivate executives who are critical to the success and financial performance of the
Corporation;
(iii) reward achievements with a variable pay component, based on the attainment of individual and the
Corporation's operational and financial objectives;
(iv) align management's interests with the long-term interests of Shareholders;
(v) ensure that the total compensation package takes into account the Corporation's present stage of
development and its available financial resources.
Elements of Executive Compensation Program
The Corporation's executive compensation program is structured with a clear focus on pay-for-performance, aligned with the
interests of Shareholders. Erdene's compensation is comprised of six components: (i) base salary; (ii) annual cash bonuses;
(iii) a stock option plan; (iv) a deferred stock unit plan; (v) benefits; and (vi) perquisites. The elements of compensation are
described in more detail below.
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Components Element Form Period Program Objectives and
Details
FIXED Base Salary Cash Annual Reflects the executive's level
of responsibility, experience,
market competitiveness, and
the executive's overall
performance.
VARIABLE Short-term Incentive Annual cash bonus Annual Linked to the achievement of
predetermined financial and
operational performance
objectives.
Long-term Incentive Stock Options Longer-term Encourages and rewards
executives for increasing total
shareholder value.
Long-term Incentive Deferred Stock Units Longer-term Encourages and rewards
executives for increasing total
shareholder value.
Benefits Corporate benefits plan Annual or Longer-
Term
Provide health, dental,
disability and insurance
coverage.
Perquisites Cash Annual A limited number of personal
benefits, including professional
fees and hardship allowances.
The Board, on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, considers each of these components of compensation
when assessing the total compensation package for Named Management. The Board relies heavily on the recommendations
of the Compensation Committee and any independent consultants that it may retain from time to time for setting salary,
bonus and option levels, to ensure the Corporation's compensation levels and practices continue to remain competitive and
appropriate.
Base Salary
Salaries of the Named Management are based on a comparison with competitive positions, taking into account the size and
sector, as well as the level of activity, of the group. Individual circumstances, including the scope and geographic location
of the Named Management's position, the Named Management's relevant competencies or experience and retention risk, are
also considered. The financial performance of the Corporation is also a factor as is the individual performance of the Named
Management. The base salary for each of the Named Management is reviewed by the Compensation Committee each year
in consultation with the CEO. Base salaries may be adjusted based on any change in their role within the Corporation,
performance of the individual, performance of the Corporation or general change in market salary levels. Until the
Corporation issues the maximum number of DSUs available under its DSU Plan, Named Management can elect to receive
all or a portion of their salary in the form of deferred stock units (see the discussion below under "Share-based Awards
(Deferred Stock Units)"). Named Management who elect to receive DSUs in lieu of salary receive a salary premium based
on 20% of such elected amount.
Performance Bonus
In 2017, the Board adopted a bonus plan, effective for the 2016 financial year, for the CEO, CFO and any executive officer
whose contract of employment specifies that their compensation will be reviewed by the Board (each, a "Senior Executive").
Currently, there are two Senior Executives, the CEO and the CFO. Under the plan, each Senior Executive is responsible for
the preparation and submission of their individual objectives to the CEO early in the first quarter of the financial year. The
CEO initially reviews the goals of each Senior Executive other than the CEO and the Chair of the Compensation Committee
reviews the goals of the CEO. The Senior Executives' goals are to be submitted to the Compensation Committee during the
first quarter for review and, if appropriate, a recommendation is submitted to the Board for final approval.
Individual performance in relation to these goals is used to calculate each Senior Executive's bonus amount under the
Corporation's bonus plan, with 75% of the Senior Executive's calculated bonus amount based on success in achieving these
goals. The remaining 25% of each Senior Executive's performance bonus amount is tied to the Common Share price
- 15 -
performance relative to the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. The maximum bonus amounts, weighting of the performance
objectives, and goal categories for the Senior Executives are set out below.
Erdene Senior Executive Bonus Plan
Annual Performance Evaluation Criteria
General Performance Objectives Individual Performance Weighting % Totals
Name and Position
Max
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An
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Aff
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Exp
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Res
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Budg
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Tim
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egula
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Co
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Inte
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Co
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HS
EC
Chief Executive Officer 60% 25% 75% 20% 20% 15% 20% 5% 15% 5% 100%
VP and CFO 40% 25% 75% 20% 30% 10% 0% 20% 15% 5% 100%
The CEO will review the performance goals and assess each Senior Executive's performance (other than his own
performance). Based upon the results of these reviews, the CEO will recommend to the Compensation Committee
performance ratings as well as performance bonus payments for the Senior Executives, other than himself. The Chair of the
Compensation Committee will assess the performance of the CEO and will make a recommendation on performance rating
and bonus payment for the CEO to the Compensation Committee.
In calculating Senior Executives' bonus entitlement under the Common Share price performance component, the percentage
change in the daily average market capitalization of the Corporation from the previous year will be compared to the
percentage change in the daily average balance of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index from the previous year. If they are equal
to each other, the Senior Executive will receive one‐half of the 25%. This amount will increase by 1% for each five percentage
points that the percentage change in the daily average market capitalization of the Corporation exceeds the percentage change
in the daily average balance of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index until the maximum of 25% is reached. The S&P/TSX Global
Gold Index was chosen as a benchmark performance measure as it consists of a broad based representation of the performance
of mining companies with diversified assets.
Ultimately, any payment under the bonus plan is at the Board's discretion. Before approving the payment of a bonus, the
Board will consider general market and industry conditions, including the recommendations and independent compensation
analyses performed from time to time by independent consultants, as well as the Corporation’s financial position.
In addition to the Senior Executive bonus plan, the Compensation Committee will continue to consider and, where
appropriate, recommend the payment of discretionary cash bonuses to Named Management from time to time.
In 2017, the CEO was paid a bonus of $129,750, representing 60% of his 2016 base salary and the CFO was paid a bonus of
$14,833, representing 28.6% of his 2016 base salary for their performance in 2016. In 2018, no bonuses were awarded under
the Corporation's Senior Executive bonus plan; however, discretionary cash bonuses were paid to Named Management in
2018, except the CEO who received stock options in lieu. In 2019, discretionary cash bonuses were paid to all employees,
including the Named Management for their extraordinary efforts in 2018. See the notes to the table under the heading
"Executive Compensation – Summary Compensation Table".
Option-based Awards
The strategic use of incentive stock options is a cornerstone of the Corporation's compensation plan. The purpose of the Plan
is to advance the interests of the Corporation by encouraging directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the
Corporation to acquire Common Shares, thereby increasing their proprietary interest in the Corporation, encouraging them
to remain associated with the Corporation, rewarding significant performance achievements and furnishing them with
- 16 -
additional incentive in their efforts on behalf of the Corporation in the conduct of their affairs. The Plan continues to be an
important tool for attracting, motivating and retaining qualified employees, which is critical to the Corporation's success.
For more information on the Plan, see "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans – Incentive
Stock Option Plan".
All grants of stock options to the Named Management are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee and the
Board of Directors. In evaluating option grants to the Named Management, the Compensation Committee and the Board of
Directors evaluate a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the number of options already held by such Named
Management; (ii) a fair balance between the number of options held by the Named Management concerned and the other
executives of the Corporation, in light of their responsibilities and objectives; and (iii) the value of the options as a component
in the Named Management's overall compensation package.
Share-based Awards (Deferred Stock Units)
In 2012, the Corporation implemented a deferred stock unit plan ("DSU Plan"), as subsequently amended as described in
this Circular, which permits directors and employees to elect to receive all or a portion of their annual compensation in
deferred stock units ("DSUs").
In addition, the Compensation Committee has the authority to make discretionary awards of DSUs pursuant to the DSU Plan.
Discretionary awards will be made on a basis consistent with the process for grants of stock options under the Plan, as
described above under "Option-based Awards".
For more information on the DSU Plan, see "Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans –
Deferred Stock Unit Plan".
Benefits
The CEO, CFO and other Named Management participate in a corporate benefits program. The benefits program includes
medical, dental and life insurance in line with organizations of a similar size and are not a material portion of the overall
compensation of the Named Management.
Perquisites
The Corporation provides a limited number of perquisites to its Named Management which vary by title but do not account
for a material portion of the overall compensation of the Named Management, with the exception of Mr. Jon Lyons, who
receives additional benefits related to his residency in Mongolia. For example, the Corporation offers paid parking and
memberships in industry-related organizations. The Corporation awards these perquisites as tools for attraction, retention
and motivation.
Other Factors for Understanding Compensation
The Corporation does not currently have a policy prohibiting Named Management or directors of the Corporation from
purchasing financial instruments, including for greater certainty, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars,
or units of exchange funds, that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as
compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by the Named Management or director. However, none of the Named
Management or directors of the Corporation has purchased such financial instruments.
Performance Graph
The following graph depicts the Corporation's cumulative total Shareholder return by quarter from January 1, 2015, assuming
a $100 investment in the Common Shares on such date, to December 31, 2019, compared to the return on an equal investment
amount in the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index.
- 17 -
On average, the Common Shares appreciated 9% per year from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019, for total appreciation
of 46%. In comparison, the value of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index increased by 15% per year over the same period, for a
total increase of 73%.
As noted above, a number of factors and performance elements are taken into account when determining compensation for
the Named Management. Although total cumulative Shareholder return is one performance measure that is reviewed in
determining compensation and Common Share price performance as compared to the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index accounts
for 25% of each Senior Executive's calculated bonus amount, there are many other factors taken into account in executive
compensation deliberations and bonus calculations. As a result, a direct correlation between total cumulative Shareholder
return over a given period and executive compensation levels is not anticipated.
Assessment of Risks Associated with the Corporation's Compensation Policies and Practices
The Compensation Committee has assessed the Corporation's compensation plans and programs for its executive officers to
ensure alignment with the Corporation's business plan and to evaluate the potential risks associated with those plans and
programs. The Compensation Committee has concluded that the compensation policies and practices do not create any risks
that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
The Compensation Committee considers the risks associated with executive compensation and corporate incentive plans
when designing and reviewing such plans and programs which have generally been implemented by or at the direction of the
Compensation Committee.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table details Named Management compensation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Name and principal
position Year
Salary(4)
($)
Option-based
awards(5)
($)
Share-based
awards(6)
($)
Annual
incentive plans(7)
($)
All other
compensation(8)
($)
Total
compensation
($)
Peter C. Akerley, President &
CEO
2019 302,046 34,200 90,000 40,000 Nil 466,246
2018 297,583 358,000 Nil Nil Nil 655,583 2017 285,650 238,000 Nil 129,750 Nil 653,400
- 18 -
Name and principal
position Year
Salary(4)
($)
Option-based
awards(5)
($)
Share-based
awards(6)
($)
Annual
incentive plans(7)
($)
All other
compensation(8)
($)
Total
compensation
($)
Robert L. Jenkins,
Vice-President & CFO(1)
2019
2018 2017
176,063
59,625 Nil
17,100
18,450 Nil
12,500
Nil Nil
10,000
Nil Nil
Nil
Nil Nil
215,663
78,075 Nil
Kenneth W. MacDonald, Vice-President & CFO(1)(2)
2019 42,879 11,400 18,000 10,000 Nil 82,279
2018 99,987 35,800 Nil 10,000 Nil 145,787
2017 97,076 89,250 Nil 14,833 Nil 201,159
Michael X. Gillis,
Vice- President Operations
2019 172,290 9,750 25,000 20,000 Nil 227,040
2018 169,744 41,400 Nil 20,000 Nil 231,144
2017 162,869 92,025 Nil 40,000 Nil 294,894
Jon M.L. Lyons
Vice-President Regulatory Affairs
and Strategy(3)
2019 2018
2017
166,130 158,229
102,128
6,500 27,600
58,500
25,000 Nil
Nil
20,000 10,000
Nil
94,401 79,841
67,591
312,031 275,670
228,219
Notes: (1) Mr. Jenkins joined the Corporation as Vice-President Business Strategy in August 2018. On May 1, 2019, Mr. Jenkins was appointed Vice-President
& CFO. Mr. MacDonald retired as CFO of the Corporation on the date of Mr. Jenkins' appointment as Vice-President & CFO.
(2) Mr. MacDonald retired as Vice-President & CFO of the Corporation on May 1, 2019 and was elected as a director of the Corporation on June 20, 2019. Amounts in the above table include remuneration received for his services as Vice-President and CFO and as a director. Mr. MacDonald received
retainer and meeting fees of $7,500 (disclosed as “Salary” in the table above) and share-based awards of $8,000 (43,275 DSUs) in his capacity as a
director. (3) Mr. Lyons was retained as Vice-President Regulatory Affairs & Strategy of the Corporation effective May 1, 2017. Prior to that (from June 2008 to
April 2017), he provided consulting services to the Corporation.
(4) Salary includes the value of DSUs received at the election of the Named Management in lieu of cash compensation. DSUs are valued at the five-day volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of the common shares at the grant date. In 2017, Mr. Akerley and Mr. MacDonald received DSUs in lieu
of cash compensation with a value of $14,400 and $11,421, respectively. In 2018, Mr. Akerley, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. MacDonald received DSUs in
lieu of cash compensation with a value of $35,010, $20,250 and $11,763, respectively. In 2019, Mr. Akerley, Mr. Jenkins and Mr. MacDonald received DSUs in lieu of cash compensation with a value of $35,535, $40,630 and $2,941, respectively.
(5) This column shows the total compensation value of stock options granted to the Named Management in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Option based awards are valued using the Black-Scholes method in accordance with the Corporation's accounting policies and using the following assumptions: For 2017: No dividends are to be paid, risk-free interest rate of 0.9%, expected volatility of 85%, and an expected life of 3.7 years. For 2018: No dividends are to be paid, risk-free interest rate of 2.0%, expected volatility of 77%, and an expected life of 4.0 years. For 2019: No dividends are to be paid, risk-free interest rate of 1.4%, expected volatility of 63%, and an expected life of 3.8 years. The fair value of the options issued, on the date granted, was $0.51 per option in 2017, $0.30 per option in 2018 and $0.09 per option in 2019. 25,000 options were exercised by Named Management in 2017, 661,875 options were exercised in 2018 and 650,000 options were exercised in 2019.
(6) In 2019, the Compensation Committee made discretionary awards of DSUs pursuant to the DSU Plan in lieu of cash bonuses. (7) In November 2019, cash bonuses were paid to Mr. Akerley ($40,000), Mr. Jenkins ($10,000), Mr. MacDonald ($10,000), Mr. Gillis ($20,000) and
Mr. Lyons ($20,000). In July 2018, cash bonuses were paid to Mr. MacDonald ($10,000), Mr. Gillis ($20,000) and Mr. Lyons ($10,000). In July 2017, cash bonuses were paid to Mr. Akerley ($129,750) and Mr. MacDonald ($14,833) for their efforts in 2016, calculated in accordance with the Corporation's Senior Executive Bonus Plan. See "Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion & Analysis – Performance Bonus". In June 2017, a bonus was also paid to Mr. Gillis ($40,000) for his efforts in 2016.
(8) Includes perquisites and benefits for Named Management that exceed 10% of base salary or $50,000. Mr. Lyons receives hardship benefits from the
Corporation to offset costs associated with living in Mongolia. All other perquisites and benefits received by Named Management are not a material
component of total compensation.
- 19 -
Incentive Plan Awards
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table details outstanding option-based and share-based awards to Named Management as at December 31,
2019.
Name
Option-based Awards Share-based Awards
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#)
Option
exercise
price
($)
Option
expiration date
Value of
unexercised in-
the-money
options
($)(1)
Number of
shares or units
of shares that
have not vested
(#)
Market or
payout value of
share-based
awards that
have not vested
($)
Market or
payout value of
vested share-
based awards
not paid out or
distributed
($)(2)
Peter C. Akerley
President & CEO
300,000
1,000,000
400,000
0.20
0.40
0.87
June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023
March 31, 2022 6,800 N/A N/A 264,679
200,000 0.36 June 15, 2021
120,000 0.16 December 22, 2020
200,000 0.15 June 5, 2020
Robert L. Jenkins,
Vice-President & CFO
150,000
150,000
0.20
0.27
June 20, 2024
October 15, 2023
Nil N/A N/A 61,862
Kenneth W.
MacDonald Vice-
President & CFO
100,000
100,000
150,000
0.20
0.40
0.87
June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023
March 31, 2022 3,400 N/A N/A 98,296
100,000 0.36 June 15, 2021
60,000 0.16 December 22, 2020
100,000 0.15 June 5, 2020
Michael X. Gillis
Vice-President Operations
150,000
150,000 175,000
0.20
0.40 0.87
June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023 March 31, 2022
3,250 N/A N/A 57,628 150,000 0.36 June 15, 2021
50,000 0.16 December 22, 2020
100,000 0.15 June 5, 2020
Jon M. L. Lyons Vice-
President Regulatory
Affairs & Strategy
100,000
100,000
150,000
0.20
0.40
0.89
June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023
July 18, 2022
Nil
N/A
N/A
20,410
Notes: (1) The value of unexercised in-the-money options is the difference between the 2019 year-end closing price on the TSX for Common Shares, which was
$0.175, and the exercise price of the options.
(2) The market value of vested DSUs is determined by multiplying the number of outstanding DSUs as at December 31, 2019 by the 2019 year-end closing price on the TSX for Common Shares, which was $0.175.
(3) During the financial year ended December 31, 2017, 25,000 options were exercised by Named Management, 661,875 in 2018 and 650,000 in 2019.
(4) All options and share-based awards vested upon grant.
Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested or Earned During 2019
Name
Option-Based Awards –
Value Vested during
2019
($)
Share-Based Awards –
Value Vested during 2019
($)
Non-equity Incentive Plan
Compensation – Value
earned during 2019
($) Peter C. Akerley
President & CEO Nil(1) 125,535(2) Nil
Robert L. Jenkins,
Vice-President & CFO Nil(1) 53,130(2) Nil
Kenneth W. MacDonald
Vice-President & CFO Nil(1) 20,941(2) Nil
Michael X. Gillis
Vice-President Operations Nil(1) 25,000(2) Nil
Jon M. L. Lyons
Vice-President Regulatory Affairs and Strategy
Nil(1) 25,000(2) Nil
Notes:
(1) On June 20, 2019, an aggregate of 800,000 options were granted to the Named Management (including 100,000 options granted to Mr. MacDonald in his role as a director) and vested immediately, having an exercise price of $0.20. The market price of the Common Shares on June 20, 2019 was
$0.20, based on a 5 day volume weighted average price.
- 20 -
(2) The value vested is based on the market price of the Common Shares on the vesting date (the date of grant). In 2019, an aggregate of 1,209,079 DSUs were granted to Mr. Akerley, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Ken MacDonald, Mr. Gillis and Mr. Lyons and vested immediately. The 5 day volume weighted
average market price of the Common Shares on the grant date was $0.21.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
The Corporation has not entered into any compensatory plan, contract or arrangement where a Named Management is entitled
to receive compensation in the event of resignation, retirement or any other termination, a change of control of the
Corporation or a change in the Named Management's responsibilities following a change of control, except as disclosed
below.
Under the terms of the employment agreements with Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Gillis and Mr. Lyons, on termination of their
employment by the Corporation without cause, they are entitled to one month's notice for every year of employment with the
Corporation or, in lieu of notice, the greater of three (3) month's base salary and one (1) month's base salary for every year
of employment with the Corporation. If Mr. Akerley's employment is terminated by the Corporation without cause, he will
receive an amount equal to the amount of the salary and bonuses paid to him in the 12 month period preceding the termination
and the Corporation shall continue his group insurance benefits, if any, for 6 months after the date of termination.
In addition, under the terms of the employment agreements with Mr. Akerley and Mr. Jenkins, in the event of a change of
control of the Corporation, each may terminate their respective agreements with the Corporation. If they do so, the
Corporation is required to pay a lump sum severance payment equal to the amount of the salary and bonuses paid in the 24
month period preceding the termination in the case of Mr. Akerley and in the 18 months preceding the termination in the
case of Mr. Jenkins.
If Mr. Akerley’s employment is terminated by the Corporation as a result of death or disability, he shall receive an amount
equal to the salary and bonuses paid to him in the 12 month period preceding the termination.
If the employment of any of the Named Management is terminated for cause, the Corporation is required to pay each of them
their then current salary accrued pursuant to their respective employment agreements.
If the Named Management's employment had been terminated effective December 31, 2019, it is the Corporation's
interpretation that the following amounts would have been payable as of the effective date of the termination, in addition to
the salary accrued to the termination date:
Name
Type of Termination
Resignation Termination without Cause Termination with Cause Death/Disability Change of Control
Cash DSU(2) Cash DSU(2) Cash DSU(2) Cash DSU(2) Cash DSU(2)
Peter C.
Akerley(1)
Nil 264,679 426,124 264,679 Accrued
Current
Annual Salary
264,679 426,124 264,679 717,812 264,679
Robert L.
Jenkins(1)
Nil 61,862 45,063 61,862 Accrued
Current Annual
Salary
61,862 Nil 61,862 504,700 61,862
Michael X. Gillis Nil 57,628 229,720 57,628 Accrued
Current
Annual Salary
57,628 Nil 57,628 Nil 57,628
Jon M.L. Lyons (2)
Nil 20,410 77,539 20,410 Accrued
Current Annual
Salary
20,410 Nil 20,410 Nil 20,410
Notes: (1) In the event of termination without cause or upon a change of control, the Corporation shall continue Mr. Akerley’s group insurance benefits, if
any, for 6 months after the date of termination; provided that if the Corporation is unable to continue any such benefits by reason of their termination
of employment, the Corporation is not required to pay Mr. Akerley amounts in lieu thereof. (2) Mr. Lyons' employment contract had an initial term running through to April 30, 2020. This contract contains automatic renewal terms and Mr.
Lyons remains an employee of the Corporation as at the date of this Circular. Mr. Lyons is also entitled to a moving allowance on termination of
the contract. (3) At the option of the Corporation, DSU's may be redeemed for Common Shares in lieu of cash.
- 21 -
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth amounts of compensation provided to members of the Board of Directors other than Named
Management for the financial year ended December 31, 2019:
Name Fees earned
($)
Share-based awards(1) Option-based
awards(2)
($)
All other
compensation
($)
Total
($) Value of
DSUs ($) # of DSUs
Dr. Anna G. Biolik 18,000 16,000 82,510 11,400 Nil 45,400
John P. Byrne 13,000 22,000 113,450 11,400 Nil 46,400
J.C.(Chris) Cowan(3) 10,000 52,500 282,661 11,400 Nil 73,900
T. Layton Croft(4) 15,000 22,000 113,450 17,100 57,067(5) 111,167
Cameron McRae 17,000 10,000 51,569 17,100 11,911(5) 38,911
David V. Mosher 8,000 22,000 113,450 11,400 Nil 41,400
Hedley Widdup(6) 4,500 2,500 13,889 10,900 Nil 17,900
Notes: (1) All DSUs vest immediately and are calculated based on the 5 day VWAP on the grant date. DSUs shall be redeemed by the Corporation, in Common
Shares or cash, at the option of the Corporation, when the holder resigns or retires or otherwise leaves the Corporation.
(2) All options had a 5 year term and were fully vested at the date of grant. The Corporation values stock-based incentives using the Black-Scholes method using the following assumptions: no dividend yield, risk-free interest of 1.40%, expected volatility of 71.36% and an expected life of 5 years. Options
to acquire Common Shares are issued with an exercise price equal to the market price at the date the options are granted. The fair value of the options
was $0.11 per option for options granted in 2019. 150,000 options were exercised by directors in 2019. (3) Mr. Cowan retired from the Board at the close of the annual meeting of Shareholders on June 20, 2019. At that time, the Corporation settled a retention
bonus payable to Mr. Cowan through the grant of DSUs with a value of $50,000.
(4) Mr. Croft was appointed Chairman of the Board at the close of the annual meeting of Shareholders on June 20, 2019. (5) Represents per diem fees paid to Messrs. Croft and McRae in connection with incremental Board responsibilities related to Mongolian stakeholder
relations and as chair of the Corporation's Technical Committee, respectively.
(6) Mr. Widdup was appointed as director on September 30, 2019.
From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, non-management directors who are not executive officers were entitled to an
honorarium of $10,000 of DSUs per annum ($2,500 of DSUs per quarter) and a $10,000 cash retainer per annum ($2,500
cash retainer per quarter), as well as $1,000 per meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors.
Directors have the option of receiving all or a portion of the cash retainer and meeting fees in DSUs. The aggregate amount
earned by directors in 2019 based upon their meeting attendance was $93,000. Additionally, Mr. Croft and Mr. McRae
received compensation due to incremental responsibilities related to Mongolian stakeholder relations and as chair of the
Board of Directors and Technical Committee, respectively. Directors are also reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket
expenses incurred for attendance at directors' meetings
From time to time the Compensation Committee of the Board completes a peer comparison of board compensation and
makes a recommendation to the Board. The Board makes a decision as to the compensation to be paid to non-management
directors, who are not executive officers, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.
- 22 -
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table presents details of all outstanding option-based awards and outstanding share-based awards to members
of the Board of Directors other than Named Management as at December 31, 2019.
Name
Option-based Awards Share-based Awards(3)
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised options
(#)
Option
exercise
price
($)
Option expiration
date
Value of
unexercised in-
the-money
options
($)(1)
Number of shares
or units of shares
that have not
vested
(#)
Market or
payout value of
share-based
wards that have
not vested
($)
Market or
payout value of
vested share-
based awards
not paid out or
distributed
($)(2)
Dr. Anna G. Biolik
100,000 100,000
100,000
100,000
0.20 0.40
0.87
0.36
June 20, 2024 June 14, 2023
March 31, 2022
June 15, 2021
Nil N/A N/A 25,902
John P. Byrne
100,000
100,000
100,000 100,000
170,000
100,000
0.20
0.40
0.87 0.36
0.16
0.15
June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023
March 31, 2022 June 15, 2021
December 22, 2020
June 5, 2020
5,050 N/A N/A 76,128
T. Layton Croft 150,000 100,000
150,000
0.20 0.40
0.87
June 20, 2024 June 14, 2023
March 31, 2022 3,250 N/A N/A 42,950
100,000 0.36 June 15, 2021 50,000 0.16 December 22, 2020
100,000 0.15 July 2, 2020
Cameron McRae 150,000 100,000
100,000
0.20 0.40
0.40
June 20, 2024 June 14, 2023
March 13, 2023
Nil N/A N/A 13,904
David V. Mosher 100,000
100,000 100,000
0.20
0.40 0.87
June 20, 2024
June 14, 2023 March 31, 2022 750 N/A N/A 31,317
100,000 0.36 June 15, 2021
50,000 0.16 December 22, 2020
Hedley Widdup 100,000 0.18 November 29, 2024 Nil N/A N/A 2,431
Notes:
(1) The value of unexercised in-the-money options is the difference between the 2019 year-end closing price on the TSX for Common Shares, which was
$0.175, and the exercise price of the options. (2) The market value of vested DSUs is determined by multiplying the number of outstanding DSUs as at December 31, 2019 by the 2019 year-end
closing price on the TSX for Common Shares, which was $0.175.
(3) All options and DSUs fully vested on grant. (4) At December 31, 2019, an aggregate of 148,013 DSUs were held by Dr. Biolik, an aggregate of 435,019 DSUs were held by Mr. Byrne, an aggregate
of 245,430 DSUs were held by Mr. Croft, an aggregate of 79,449 DSUs were held by Mr. McRae, an aggregate of 178,953 DSUs were held by Mr.
Mosher and an aggregate of 13,889 DSUs were held by Mr. Widdup.
Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested or Earned During 2019
Name
Option-Based Awards – Value
Vested during 2019
($)
Share-Based Awards – Value
Vested during 2019
($)
Non-equity Incentive Plan
Compensation – Value earned
during 2019
($)
Dr. Anna G. Biolik Nil(1) 16,000(2) Nil
John P. Byrne Nil(1) 22,000(2) Nil
J.C.(Chris) Cowan Nil(1) 52,500(2) Nil
T. Layton Croft Nil(1) 22,000(2) Nil
Cameron McRae Nil(1) 10,000(2) Nil
David V. Mosher Nil(1) 22,000(2) Nil
Hedley Widdup Nil(1) 2,500(2) Nil
Notes: (1) On June 20, 2019 and November 29, 2019, an aggregate of 800,000 options were granted to directors (including 100,000 options granted to Kenneth
MacDonald) and vested immediately, having an exercise price of $0.20 and $0.18 respectively. The market price of the Common Shares on June 20, 2019 and November 29, 2019, based on a 5 day volume weighted average price, was $0.20 and $0.18 respectively.
- 23 -
(2) The value vested is based on the market price of the Common Shares on the vesting date (the date of grant). In 2019, 82,510 DSUs were granted to Dr. Biolik, 113,450 DSUs were granted to each of Mr. Byrne, Mr. Croft and Mr. Mosher, 282,661 DSUs were granted to Mr. Cowan, 51,569 DSUs
were granted to Mr. McRae and 13,889 DSUs were granted to Mr. Widdup and all vested immediately. The 5 day volume weighted average market
price of the Common Shares on the grant date was $0.19.
During the financial year ended December 31, 2019, 150,000 options were exercised by members of the Board of Directors.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets out information as of December 31, 2019, the Corporation's most recently completed financial year,
with regard to outstanding options exercisable into Common Shares under the Plan and outstanding DSUs.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights
(a)
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (b)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected
in column (a))
(c)
Incentive stock option plan
approved by securityholders(5)
12,305,000 (1) $0.39 6,801,849 (3)
DSU plan approved by
securityholders
4,636,850(2)(4) N/A 363,150(6)
Total 16,941,850 N/A 7,164,999
Notes: (1) This number reflects the outstanding options under the Plan and represents 6.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of December 31,
2019.
(2) This number reflects the outstanding DSUs under the DSU Plan and represents 2.4% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of December 31, 2019.
(3) This number equals 10% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Corporation on December 31, 2019, which was 191,068,490, less
the number of Common Shares reported under column (a) above, and represents 3.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of December
31, 2019.
(4) As of December 31, 2019, up to 5,000,000 DSUs may be outstanding from time to time under the DSU Plan, which represents 2.6% of the issued and
outstanding Common Shares as of December 31, 2019. See "Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans – Deferred Stock Unit Plan".
(5) The number of Common Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan is a rolling maximum number equal to 10% of the outstanding Common
Shares at any point in time. (6) This number equals 5,000,000 less the number of securities reported under column (a) above and represents 0.2% of the issued and outstanding
Common Shares as of December 31, 2019.
Incentive Stock Option Plan
Introduction
At the annual and special meeting of Shareholders held on May 10, 2007, the Shareholders adopted a 10% "rolling" stock
option plan (the "Plan"). The Plan replaced the stock option plan approved by Shareholders on November 18, 2003 and re-
affirmed on June 24, 2004 and June 25, 2005, as required by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the stock exchange
upon which the Common Shares were listed at the time. The Plan was amended by the Board on December 16, 2010 to deal
with employer tax withholding and remittance requirements for stock option benefits. The Board further amended the Plan
on May 15, 2019 to update the definition of insider for the purposes of the Plan for consistency with the TSX Company
Manual. Pursuant to the Plan, the Board is authorized to make such amendments without obtaining Shareholder approval as
noted in the summary below. Shareholders approved all unallocated options issuable under the Plan at the annual and special
meetings held on May 20, 2010, June 27, 2013, June 14, 2016, and June 20, 2019 as required by the rules of the TSX. The
purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain directors, officers, employees and service providers to the Corporation and its
affiliates and to motivate them to advance the interests of the Corporation by affording them with the opportunity to acquire
an equity interest in the Corporation through options.
The following information is intended as a summary of the Plan, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan in
the form attached as Appendix A to the Corporation's management information circular dated April 9, 2007, as subsequently
amended by the Board as described above.
- 24 -
"Rolling" Maximum Reserve
The Plan provides that the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options is a rolling
maximum number that shall not be greater than 10% of the outstanding Common Shares at any point in time.
Other Terms
The Plan authorizes the Board (or a Committee of the Board, if so authorized by the Board) to grant options to acquire
Common Shares in favour of "Eligible Persons". Eligible Persons are directors, officers, employees, consultants,
management company employees or any other service providers of the Corporation or its affiliates.
The aggregate number of Common Shares issued to insiders of the Corporation, as defined by the TSX, within any one year
period under the Plan, together with any other security based compensation arrangement cannot exceed 10% of the
outstanding Common Shares. In addition, the aggregate number of Common Shares issuable to insiders of the Corporation
at any time under the Plan together with any other security based compensation arrangement cannot exceed 10% of the
outstanding Common Shares.
The date of grant, the number of Common Shares, the vesting period and any other terms and conditions of options granted
pursuant to the Plan are determined by the Board, subject to the express provisions of the Plan.
Unless otherwise specified by the Board at the time an option is granted under the Plan:
(a) the exercise price of the option will be the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares
on the TSX for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the grant;
(b) the term of the option will be 10 years from the date of the grant (which is the maximum allowable term
under the Plan), unless the expiry of the term falls during a black-out (or within ten days from the end of
blackout) from trading in the securities of the Corporation imposed on certain persons including the
optionee pursuant to any policies of the Corporation, and where such black-out applies, the expiry of the
term of the option shall automatically be extended to 10 business days following the end of the black-out;
(c) the option will vest immediately upon grant; and
(d) if before the expiry of the option, the optionee ceases to be an Eligible Person for any reason other than
termination by the Corporation for cause, the option will terminate within ninety days of the date the
optionee ceases to be an Eligible Person; provided however, in the event of the death of the optionee, the
option continues to be exercisable for a period up to twelve months from the date of such event. If the
optionee ceases to be an Eligible Person by reason of termination by the Corporation for cause, the option
will terminate immediately upon the optionee ceasing to be an Eligible Person.
In the event an offer is made for the Common Shares which would result in the offeror exercising control of the Corporation
within the meaning of applicable securities laws, any options then outstanding may be exercised so as to allow the optionee
to tender the Common Shares received upon such an exercise to the offer; provided however, if the offer is not completed or
the Common Shares tendered to the offeror are not taken up and paid for by the offeror, then such Common Shares must be
returned to the Corporation by the optionee and the terms of the option applicable prior to the offer will again apply to the
options.
The options are non-assignable and non-transferable and there is no ability under the Plan to transform an option granted
under the Plan into a stock appreciation right.
The Board may, in its discretion, but subject to applicable law, authorize the Corporation to make loans to Eligible Persons
to assist them in exercising their options. The terms and conditions of such loans are determined by the Board, and must
include interest at prevailing market rates, a term not in excess of one year, and security in favour of the Corporation
represented by that number of Common Shares received on exercise which equals the loaned amount divided by the market
price of the Common Shares on the date of such exercise, or equivalent security, which security may be granted on a non-
recourse basis.
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The Plan contains a formal amendment procedure which sets forth a list of amendments that can be made to the Plan by the
Board without requiring the approval of Shareholders unless specifically required by the TSX. These amendments include,
without limitation:
(a) altering, extending or accelerating option vesting terms and conditions;
(b) amending the termination provisions of an option;
(c) accelerating the expiry date of an option;
(d) determining adjustments pursuant to the provisions of the Plan concerning corporate changes;
(e) amending the definitions contained in the Plan;
(f) amending or modifying the mechanics of exercising options;
(g) adding, amending or removing any provisions for financial assistance provided by the Corporation to
purchase Common Shares under the Plan;
(h) amending provisions relating to the administration of the Plan;
(i) making "housekeeping" amendments, such as those necessary to cure errors or ambiguities contained in
the Plan;
(j) effecting amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable laws; and
(k) suspending or terminating the Plan.
The Plan specifically provides that the following amendments, among others, require shareholder approval:
(a) increasing the number of Common Shares issuable under the Plan, except by operation of the "rolling"
maximum reserve;
(b) amending the Plan, which amendment could result in the aggregate number of Common Shares issued to
insiders within any one-year period or issuable to insiders at any time under the Plan, together with any
other security based compensation arrangement, exceeding 10% of the issued and outstanding Common
Shares;
(c) extending the period of time during which options may be exercised;
(d) reducing the option price;
(e) amending the class of Eligible Persons which would have the potential of broadening or increasing
participation in the Plan by insiders;
(f) amending the formal amendment procedures; and
(g) making any amendments required to be approved by the Shareholders under applicable law.
The Corporation's DSU Plan impacts the number of options that the Corporation may issue pursuant to the Plan. For example,
the maximum number of Common Shares issuable to insiders (as that term is defined by the TSX) pursuant to the DSU Plan,
together with any Common Shares issuable pursuant to any other security based compensation arrangement of the
Corporation, may not exceed 10% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares at any time. See "Securities Authorized
for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans – Deferred Stock Unit Plan – Maximum Number of Shares Issued and
Outstanding Under DSUs".
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Deferred Stock Unit Plan
At the special meeting of Shareholders held on October 26, 2012, the Shareholders adopted the DSU Plan, which was
subsequently amended at the annual and special meetings of the Shareholders on June 4, 2015 and June 20, 2019. At the
special meeting of Shareholders held on June 20, 2019, the Shareholders approved a resolution amending the DSU Plan so
that the maximum number of DSUs that may be outstanding under the DSU Plan from time to time was fixed at 5,000,000,
the effect of which was to change the DSU Plan into an "evergreen" plan such that any DSUs redeemed, surrendered, forfeited
or cancelled again became available for future grant. The Board also amended the DSU Plan on May 15, 2019 to remove the
requirement for participants to elect to receive compensation in the form of DSUs in 10% increments and other housekeeping
amendments, which amendments the Board has authority under the DSU Plan to make without obtaining Shareholder
approval as noted in the summary below. The Board further amended the DSU Plan on May 15, 2020 to adopt the DSU Plan
Amendment (subject to approval of the Shareholders at the Meeting). The purpose of the DSU Plan is to assist the Corporation
in attracting and retaining talented employees and directors and to promote a greater alignment of interests between the
directors, employees and the Shareholders. The DSUs issued under the DSU Plan form part of the Corporation's overall
director and employee compensation strategy. Since the value of DSUs increase or decrease with the price of Common
Shares, DSUs reflect a philosophy of aligning the interests of directors and employees with those of the Shareholders by
tying compensation to share price performance. Additionally, the Corporation may utilize DSUs to minimize cash
compensation expenditures.
Summary
The following information is intended as a summary of the DSU Plan, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the DSU
Plan which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, as subsequently amended as described above.
Administration of Plan
The DSU Plan provides that directors and employees of the Corporation may elect to receive all or a portion of their annual
compensation in DSUs. The number of DSUs received is equal to the amount of compensation elected to be received in
DSUs, divided by the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX for the 5 trading days
immediately prior to the payment date ("Market Value"). DSUs awarded under the DSU Plan in lieu of annual compensation
will vest immediately.
In addition, the Compensation Committee has the authority to make discretionary awards of DSUs to directors and employees
under the DSU Plan. DSUs granted pursuant to discretionary awards will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule
determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, DSUs will vest equally over 3
years, with 25% of the awarded DSUs vesting on the date of the award and an additional 25% vesting on each anniversary
until fully vested. The Compensation Committee may at any time shorten the vesting period of any or all DSUs, including
upon a change of control.
In the event that a dividend is paid on the Common Shares while DSUs are outstanding, each director or employee who has
received DSUs will be allocated additional DSUs equal to the total amount of dividends paid on the number of shares which
is equal to the number of DSUs received by such director or employee, as the case may be, divided by the Market Value of
a Common Share as at the dividend payment date.
Each DSU represents the right of the director or employee to receive, after his or her death, resignation, retirement or other
termination, at the option of the Corporation, either (a) a cash payment equal to the Market Value of a Common Share on the
date of such termination event, multiplied by the number of DSUs then held, or (b) that number of Common Shares
representing the DSUs then held by such director or employee. Under the DSU Plan, the Corporation is authorized to withhold
any amounts required to be withheld or deducted under applicable taxation or other laws. If applicable, DSUs will cease
vesting on the date of the termination event.
Each participant in the DSU Plan will have a DSU account to record all awards of DSUs and, if applicable, the vesting of
DSUs.
Maximum Number of DSUs and Shares Issuable
As of the date of this Circular, the maximum number of DSUs outstanding under the DSU Plan from time to time, and the
maximum number of Common Shares underlying the outstanding DSUs, is 5,000,000. If the DSU Plan Amendment is
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approved by Shareholders at the Meeting, the maximum number of DSUs that may be outstanding under the DSU Plan from
time to time, and the maximum number of Common Shares underlying the outstanding DSUs, will be increased to 7,500,000.
The DSU Plan provides that the maximum number of Common Shares issuable to insiders (as that term is defined by the
TSX) pursuant to the DSU Plan, together with any Common Shares issuable pursuant to any other security based
compensation arrangement of the Corporation, will not exceed 10% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares at
any time. In addition, the maximum number of Common Shares issued to insiders under the DSU Plan, together with any
Common Shares issued to insiders pursuant to any other security based compensation arrangement of the Corporation, within
any one year period, will not exceed 10% of the total number of outstanding Common Shares.
Transferability
Neither the DSUs nor any other rights or interests under the DSU Plan may be assigned or transferred by a participant under
the DSU Plan except by a legal will or other testamentary dispositions, or according to applicable laws respecting the
devolution of estates.
Amendments to the DSU Plan
The DSU Plan provides that the Board of Directors may at any time, and from time to time, and without Shareholder approval,
amend any provision of the DSU Plan, subject to any regulatory or TSX requirement at the time of such amendment,
including, without limitation:
(a) for the purpose of making minor or technical modifications to any of the provisions of the DSU Plan
including amendments of a "clerical" or "housekeeping" in nature;
(b) to correct any ambiguity, defective provision, error or omission in the provisions of the DSU Plan;
(c) amendments to the termination provisions;
(d) amendments necessary or advisable because of any change in applicable securities laws;
(e) amendments regarding the administration of this DSU Plan; and
(f) any other amendment, fundamental or otherwise, not requiring Shareholder approval under applicable laws
or the rules of the TSX;
provided however, that:
(g) no such amendment of the DSU Plan may be made without the consent of each affected participant in the
DSU Plan if such amendment would adversely affect the rights of such affected participant(s) under the
DSU Plan;
(h) no amendment shall be made unless it is such that the DSU Plan continuously meets the requirements of
paragraph 6801(d) of the Regulations to the Income Tax Act (Canada) or any successor provision thereto;
and
(i) Shareholder approval shall be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the TSX for any
amendment:
a. to increase the maximum number of DSUs that may be issued under the DSU Plan; or
b. to the amendment provision of the DSU Plan.
In the event of the suspension of the DSU Plan, no further DSUs shall be awarded or credited under the DSU Plan. Any
DSUs that remain outstanding in a participant's account at that time shall continue to be dealt with in accordance with the
terms of the DSU Plan. The DSU Plan shall terminate when all payments owing pursuant to the DSU Plan have been made
and all DSUs have been cancelled in all participants' account.
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Annual Burn Rate
The following table sets out the annual burn rate of options granted under the Plan and DSUs granted under the DSU Plan
for the last three fiscal years. The annual burn rate is the number of securities granted under the applicable plan during the
applicable fiscal year divided by the weighted average number of securities outstanding for the applicable fiscal year.
Plans Burn Rate
2017 2018 2019
Plan 1.9% 1.9% 1.5%
DSU Plan 0.1% 0.4% 1.3%
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
None of the current or former directors, executive officers or employees of the Corporation, proposed nominee for director,
or associates or affiliates of a director or executive officer of the Corporation or proposed nominee for director, have been
indebted to the Corporation or its subsidiaries at any time since the beginning of the last completed financial year of the
Corporation, other than "routine indebtedness" as that term is defined in applicable securities legislation.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
None of the current or proposed directors or executive officers of the Corporation, or associates or affiliates of any of these
persons, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since January 1, 2019, or in any proposed transaction
which, in either case, has materially affected or would materially affect the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Corporation is required to include disclosure of its corporate governance practices in this Circular in accordance with
National Instrument 58-101, Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices ("Instrument"). The Instrument has been
adopted by the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities across Canada ("Canadian Securities
Administrators").
The Board of Directors endorses the efforts of the Canadian Securities Administrators in continuing the evolution of good
corporate governance practices. The Board is committed to adhering to the highest standards in all aspects of its activities.
The corporate governance practices described below are subject to change as the Corporation evolves. The Board shall
remain sensitive to corporate governance issues and shall continuously seek to set up the necessary measures, control
mechanisms and structures to ensure an effective discharge of its responsibilities without creating additional overhead costs
and reducing the return on Shareholders' equity.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is currently comprised of eight directors and is proposed to be comprised of eight directors, a majority
of whom are "independent" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. An independent director is defined to be
a director who has no direct or indirect relationship with the Corporation which could, in the view of the Board of Directors,
be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a member's independent judgement.
The independent directors nominated for re-election at the Meeting are John P. Byrne, Dr. Anna G. Biolik, T. Layton Croft,
Cameron McRae, David V. Mosher and Hedley Widdup. The remaining two directors are not considered independent for
the following reasons:
(a) Peter C. Akerley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation; and
(b) Kenneth W. MacDonald retired as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation on May 1, 2019.
The Corporation has taken steps to ensure that adequate structures and processes are in place to permit the Board of Directors
to function independently of management. The current Chair of the Board, Layton Croft, is an independent director. The
primary responsibility of the Chair of the Board is to provide leadership to the Board to enhance Board effectiveness. The
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Board has ultimate accountability for supervising Management. Critical to satisfying this objective is fostering effective
relationships between the Board, management, Shareholders and other stakeholders. The Chair of the Board, as the presiding
member, is responsible for overseeing and ensuring that these relationships continue to be effective, efficient and in
furtherance of the best interests of the Corporation.
The Board of Directors meets at least once each calendar quarter and following the annual meeting of Shareholders. Between
the scheduled meetings, the Board of Directors meets as required. The frequency of the meetings and the nature of the
meeting agendas are dependent on the nature of the business and affairs which the Corporation faces from time to time. The
independent directors are given the opportunity to meet separately at the end of each meeting of the Board of Directors, but
do not hold regularly scheduled meetings at which non-independent directors and members of management are not in
attendance. Having considered the current size of the Board of Directors, the majority of independent directors on the Board
of Directors and the experience of the independent directors with other reporting issuers, the Board of Directors believes that
separate meetings of the independent directors provide sufficient leadership for the independent directors.
Management also communicates informally with the directors on a regular basis, and solicits advice from members or
advisors on matters falling within their special knowledge, experience or expertise. In addition, each of the Audit and Risk
Management Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee
are comprised only of independent directors.
The following directors of the Corporation are also directors of other reporting issuers:
Director Name of Other Reporting Issuer
John P. Byrne Morien Resources Corporation (TSX-V)
T. Layton Croft Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSX-V)
Cameron McRae Kincora Copper Limited (TSX-V)
David V. Mosher Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSX-V)
Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSX-V)
There were seven formal Board meetings in 2019. The attendance record of each of the directors at such meetings is as
follows:
Director Number of Meetings Attended/Number of Board
Meetings in the Year When the Individual Was a
Director
Peter C. Akerley 7/7
Dr. Anna G. Biolik 7/7
John P. Byrne 7/7
J.C. (Chris) Cowan(1) 3/3
T. Layton Croft 7/7
Kenneth MacDonald(2) 4/4
Cameron McRae 6/7
David V. Mosher 7/7
Hedley Widdup(3) 2/2 Notes: (1) Mr. Cowan retired from the Board on June 20, 2019.
(2) Mr. MacDonald was elected as a director on June 20, 2019.
(3) Mr. Widdup was appointed as a director on September 30, 2019.
In addition, certain of the decisions of the Board of Directors since January 1, 2019, were passed by way of written consent
following discussions among the directors and management.
Board Mandate
The Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of the Corporation through the supervision of the business and
management of the Corporation. This mandate is accomplished directly and through five committees:
(a) the Audit and Risk Management Committee
(b) the Compensation Committee;
(c) the Pre-Clearance Committee;
(d) the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee; and
(e) the Technical Committee.
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The Board of Directors remains committed to ensuring the long-term viability and profitability of the Corporation, as well
as the well-being of its employees and of the communities in which it operates. The strategic planning and business objectives
developed by management are submitted to and reviewed by the full Board of Directors, both on a formal annual basis and
on an on-going basis through regular interim reports from management. The Board of Directors also works with management
to identify principal risks, to select and assess senior management and to review significant operational and financial matters.
The Board of Directors reviews and approves the annual audited financial statements, the annual report, the annual budget
and changes thereto, management proxy information circulars, material press releases, annual management discussion and
analysis, decisions as to material acquisitions not within the budget and the grant of stock options. The Board of Directors
does not have a written mandate.
Position Descriptions
The Board of Directors has five committees as noted above. The position descriptions for the chairs of each Board committee
are contained in the charters for the committee. The chair of each of the Audit and Risk Management Committee,
Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee is required to ensure that the
committee meets regularly and performs its duties as set forth in the charter, and reports to the Board of Directors on the
activities of the committee. The Pre-Clearance Committee and the Technical Committee meet as required.
Given the relatively small size of the Corporation, the Board of Directors does not believe that it is necessary at this time to
formalize a position description for the chair of the Board of Directors.
The Board has not developed a written position description for the CEO. However, the CEO is primarily responsible for the
overall management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The CEO recommends to the Board the strategic and
operational priorities of the Corporation and provides leadership to the management team. The CEO is directly responsible
to the Board for all of the Corporation's activities.
Orientation and Continuing Education
Given the size and relative stability of the Board of Directors, there is no formal program for the orientation and education
of new recruits to the Board of Directors. The Corporation does, however, ensure that all new directors receive a complete
package with background as to the Corporation's business and outlining the securities law obligations and restrictions on
members of the Board of Directors and the Corporation, as well as a copy of all of the Corporation's policies.
Continuing education helps Directors keep up to date on changing governance issues and requirements and legislation or
regulations in their field of experience. The Board of Directors recognizes the importance of ongoing education for the Board
of Directors and the need for each director to take personal responsibility for this process. To facilitate ongoing education,
the Board of Directors may from time to time, as required:
• request that directors determine their training and education needs;
• arrange visits to the Corporation's projects or operations;
• arrange funding for the attendance by directors at seminars or conferences of interest and relevant to their
position; and
• encourage participation or facilitate presentations by members of management or outside experts on matters of
particular importance or emerging significance.
In 2008 and 2009, John P. Byrne (a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee), with the sponsorship of the
Corporation, participated in the Institute of Corporate Directors course at the Rotman School of Business at the University
of Toronto and received the ICD.D designation. In December 2012, Mr. Akerley participated in the Institute of Corporate
Directors Audit Committee Effectiveness course. In September 2016, Dr. Biolik participated in an orientation training course
for newly appointed corporate directors offered by Simon Fraser University and the TSX. In March 2018, Layton Croft
participated in the Board Oversight of Strategy course offered by the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Ethical Business Conduct
In March 2007, the Board of Directors adopted a formal Code of Business Conduct and Ethics ("Code") and expects each of
its directors, officers and employees to adhere to the standards set forth in the Code, which was designed to deter wrongdoing
and to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, (ii) confidentiality of corporate information, (iii) avoidance of conflicts of
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interest, (iv) protection and proper use of corporate assets, (v) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and
regulations, (vi) prompt internal reporting to appropriate persons of violations of the Code, (vii) accountability for adherence
to the Code, and (viii) the Corporation's culture of honesty and accountability.
The Board of Directors does not intend to monitor compliance with the Code; however, a copy of the Code is provided to
each director, officer and employee and such person is required to sign an acknowledgement form under which they agree
to adhere to the standards set forth in the Code. A copy of the Code is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Code
specifically addresses, among other things, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, compliance with laws, the reporting of
unethical behaviour and the reporting of accounting irregularities. Any submission received by the Audit and Risk
Management Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Code must be reviewed by the Audit and Risk Management
Committee. The Audit and Risk Management Committee will then determine whether an investigation is appropriate. The
Committee and/or management will promptly investigate such submission and record the results in writing. All submissions
must be treated confidentially to every extent possible, and the Audit and Risk Management Committee and any outside
counsel must not reveal the identity of any person who makes the submission and asks that his or her identity remain
confidential. The Code specifically provides that any submission may be made without fear of dismissal, disciplinary action
or retaliation of any kind.
The Board of Directors believes that the Corporation's size also facilitates informal review of and discussions with its officers
and employees to promote ethical business conduct and to monitor compliance with the Code.
In addition, the Pre-Clearance Committee is responsible for pre-clearing trades in the Corporation's securities by the officers
and directors of the Corporation, and members of their families who reside with them, in accordance with the Corporation's
Pre-Clearance Policy.
Certain of the Corporation's directors serve as directors or officers of other reporting issuers or have significant shareholdings
in other companies. To the extent that such other companies may participate in business ventures in which the Corporation
may participate, the directors may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of
such participation. In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Board, a director who has such a
conflict will abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms and such director will not
participate in negotiating and concluding terms of any proposed transaction. In addition, any director or officer who may
have an interest in a transaction or agreement with the Corporation is required to disclose such interest and abstain from
discussions and voting in respect to same if the interest is material or if required to do so by corporate or securities law.
Nomination of Directors
In accordance with its mandate, the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee reviews the qualifications of
candidates for the Board of Directors and makes its recommendation to the Board of Directors regarding the slate of
candidates for directors to be nominated for election by Shareholders at the annual general meeting of Shareholders. As
noted above, the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee is comprised of three independent directors,
namely, Dr. Anna Biolik, John P. Byrne, and T. Layton Croft.
Diversity Policy for the Board and Executive Officers
The Board adopted a diversity policy in 2015 (the "Diversity Policy") which sets forth the Corporation's approach to
achieving and maintaining diversity on the Board and in executive officer positions. While the Corporation believes that
nominations to the Board of Directors and appointments to executive officer positions should be based on merit, the
objectives of the Diversity Policy are to recognize that diversity will support balanced debate which, in turn, will enhance
decision making. The Corporation recognizes "diversity" as any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and
people from one another including gender, ethnicity, disability and geographical backgrounds.
In accordance with the Diversity Policy, the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee will strive for inclusion
of diverse groups, knowledge and viewpoints on the Board and in executive officer positions, including the representation of
individuals who self-identify as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities (the
"Designated Groups"). In conjunction with its consideration of the qualifications and experience of potential directors and
executive officers, the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee will consider the level of diversity on the
Board when identifying and nominating candidates for election or re-election to the Board, and will consider the level of
diversity in executive officer positions when the Board makes executive officer appointments. The Corporate Governance
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and Disclosure Policy Committee will be responsible for overseeing the preparation and adoption of criteria regarding
composition of the Board and to develop recruitment protocols for directors to achieve the objectives of the Diversity Policy.
The Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee will periodically assess the effectiveness of the nomination
and appointment process generally, as well as the effectiveness of the Diversity Policy, and monitor the implementation of
the Diversity Policy.
The Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee has had considerable discussion specifically regarding gender
diversity and the benefits thereof and the Corporation is committed to gender diversity on the Board, as well as at the senior
levels of management. The Board ensures, in the process of ongoing Board renewal and the continuing search for a diverse
mix of talent and competency, that, where possible, new appointments will advance the Corporation's commitment to
diversity in a timely fashion.
The Board has not adopted targets regarding members of Designated Groups on the Board or in executive officer positions
at this time. Due to the small size of the Board and the management team, and the early stage of the Corporation's operations,
the Board believes that the qualifications and experience of proposed new directors or executive officers should remain the
primary consideration in the selection process.
As of the date hereof, the Corporation has eight (8) directors, all of whom are nominated for re-election, and five (5) members
of senior management. One of the Corporation’s eight directors is a woman (12%) and one of five members of senior
management (20%) is a woman. None of the Corporation's directors (0%) and one member of senior management (20%)
identify as being a member of any other Designated Group.
Director Term Limits
The Board does not have in place term limits for directors and has not adopted any other mechanisms for Board renewal at
this time. Due to the small size of the Board and the stage of the Corporation's operations, the Board believes that the annual
assessment conducted by the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee is an effective framework for ensuring
appropriate Board composition. Periodically, but at least once every 5 years, the Board shall consider the need for a renewal
program intended to achieve what the Board believes to be a then desirable distribution of skills, age, gender and other
distinctions and, if deemed necessary or desirable, embark upon a program to effect concomitant changes in Board
composition.
In 2019, the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee reviewed the Board's composition and pending
retirements and recommended that one additional member be nominated for election to the Board at the Meeting. Six of the
eight Board nominees are relatively new to the Board, having joined the Board in 2015 or later. The Corporate Governance
and Disclosure Policy Committee and the Board will continue to evaluate the Board's composition and tenure of its members
as further renewal is considered.
Compensation Committee
The mandate of the Compensation Committee is to review the performance, compensation and succession planning of the
executive officers of the Corporation and to ensure the proper administration of the Plan. The Compensation Committee, in
conjunction with the CEO, recommends to the Board of Directors the level of compensation to Board members based on a
review of comparable public company businesses. This committee is also responsible to review and recommend all executive
benefits plans and executive prerequisites for approval by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee generally
meets twice a year.
The Compensation Committee presently consists of three directors, Messrs. Croft, MacDonald and Mosher. Messrs. Croft
and Mosher are independent as that term is defined in National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees ("NI 52-110").
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Information concerning the Corporation's Audit and Risk Management Committee is provided in the Corporation's annual
information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2019, under the section entitled "Audit and Risk Management
Committee". A copy of the AIF may be obtained from the Corporation's public disclosure documents found on the SEDAR
website at www.sedar.com.
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The Audit and Risk Management Committee generally meets four times a year. The Audit and Risk Management Committee
presently consists of three directors, Messrs. Byrne and Croft, and Dr. Biolik, all of whom are independent as that term is
defined in NI 52-110.
Pre-Clearance Committee
The Pre-Clearance Committee is responsible for pre-clearing trades in the Corporation's securities by the officers and
directors of the Corporation, and members of their families who reside with them, in accordance with the Corporation's Pre-
Clearance Policy.
The Pre-Clearance Committee responds to requests for approval to trade. The Pre-Clearance Committee is presently
comprised of Messrs. Akerley and Jenkins.
Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee
The Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee oversees all regulatory disclosure requirements and the
Corporation's disclosure practices, including its Insider Trading Policy. This Committee is responsible to ensure that
appropriate systems, processes and controls for disclosure are in place and to review all news releases and core disclosure
documents before their release or filing.
The Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee generally meets once a year. The Corporate Governance and
Disclosure Policy Committee presently consists of three directors, being Messrs. Byrne and Croft and Dr. Biolik, all of whom
are independent as that term is defined in NI 52-110.
Technical Committee
The Technical Committee assists management in reviewing technical matters relating to exploration, development,
permitting, resources and reserves on mineral properties, as well as other technical and operational aspects of mining
activities before they are submitted to the Board of Directors. The Technical Committee presently consists of four directors,
Peter Akerley, Kenneth MacDonald, David Mosher and Hedley Widdup, who individually have extensive experience in
mining and minerals exploration. This committee will meet as required.
Other Board Committees
The Board of Directors may, from time to time, create new committees or establish ad hoc committees to address special
business issues.
Assessments
The Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee is responsible to oversee the development and implementation
of a process for assessing the effectiveness of the Board, its size and composition and its committees. The assessment process
is initiated annually by the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy Committee, which reports to the full Board, which
then deals with any issues raised. In addition, without convening a special meeting for this purpose, the Board and each of
the committees of the Board periodically performs an assessment exercise addressing its effectiveness, with input from
Management. Also, every director is entitled to bring any matter to the Corporate Governance and Disclosure Policy
Committee or to the Board of Directors.
PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS
Pursuant to the Canada Business Corporations Act, resolutions intended to be presented by Shareholders for action at the
next annual meeting must comply with the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act and be deposited at the
Corporation's head office not later than Monday, February 15, 2021, in order to be included in the management information
circular relating to the next annual meeting.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Corporation is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Financial information is
provided in the Corporation's comparative annual financial statements and management discussion & analysis ("MD&A")
for its most recently completed financial year. To request copies of the Corporation's financial statements and MD&A,
Shareholders should contact Darryn Broderick at Erdene Resource Development Corporation, Suite 1480, 99 Wyse Road,
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B3A 4S5, Telephone (902) 423-6419, Email: info@erdene.com. The financial statements and
MD&A are also available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
APPROVAL OF CIRCULAR
The contents and the sending of this Circular have been approved by the Board of Directors.
Dated at Halifax, Nova Scotia, this 15th day of May, 2020.
(signed) Peter C. Akerley
President and Chief Executive Officer
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